Computer Games are Good for Kids, Parents Say (Microsoft-commissioned survey of parents). Commenter “WinTard” says,
I would agree. My kid has been playing with computers since age 1, starting with Mother Goose. It allows them to familiarize themselves with a critical tool that will be necessary for their future success in the 3rd millennium and 21st century. And it develops an interest and passion for something worthwhile.
The major source of calamity in our society is people plodding through life without direction or objectives. And idle, bored minds turn to nasty things…
How did our civilization ever prosper in the days before computers?
Why do so many parents get this so wrong? Idle, bored minds eventually turn toward imagination and creativity. Parents need to read Richard Louv and Jane Healy.
There is plenty of time for kids to acquaint themselves with technology. They don’t need a mouse shoved into their hands at one year or even five. Jane Healy, who has studied kids and computers thinks age 7 is a good time to introduce kids to computers. Young kids should be exploring the real world with all of their senses. They really don’t need the distraction of computers.
When did your kids start using computers? Do you think what they have learned will be a major factor in their success in life?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
i think computer games are good because it is a source of entertainment
Well, that’s a non sequitur. Just because something is a source of entertainment doesn’t mean it is inherently good. There is plenty of entertainment that doesn’t have much redeeming value in the long run.
There is nothing good about entertainment if it does little more than occupy one’s time. If it doesn’t teach, or shape us in some positive way. If it displaces other activities that would be more beneficial (exercise, creative thinking, reading, interacting with others, etc), then entertainment could be considered detrimental, especially if people entertain themselves for excessive periods of time to the exclusion of more useful activities.